GDE handles everything from curriculum implementation and school infrastructure to teacher development and student admissions, including the online application process for Grade 1 and Grade 8 placements in public schools. For Gauteng, Grade R applications are not submitted through the GDE online Grade 1 and Grade 8 admissions system. It's important not to confuse Grade R with Grade 1: a child currently in Grade R must still submit an online Grade 1 application for 2027; they are not automatically placed in Grade 1 at their current school.